Richard Gere says he's started a campaign to draw together Bollywood (Bombay, India) movie stars, sports celebrities, business leaders and government officials to battle AIDS.

"There is a lot of de-stigmatization that is needed," the 54-year-old actor said.

Gere said he's formed close bonds with actors, writers and directors in India because of their common concern over HIV/AIDS.

"We've touched each other because of our genuine commitment to this issue and my own commitment that I'm not going away and I'll be back again and again and again," he said.

Gere has been visiting India since the 1970s.

He said his program, called "The Heroes Project," would get people talking about the AIDS problem in India.

"If you work with the creative community, the incredible power of industry, then bring in the government and the judicial system, you can solve any problem," Gere said.